Best Things To Do In Mount Elgon And Sipi Falls

While Uganda adventures mainly depend on mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga National park, chimpanzee adventures and other wildlife, if you are planning your trip to this remarkable country, expect a lot more for you to make their dreams come true in Africa. If you are looking for the most outstanding African adventures then Mount Elgon and Sipi waterfalls are a few most exceptional tourist sites that you should consider in your travel plan. A trip to these remarkable destinations is one way for you to get out of the noisy Kampala capital city. Mount Elgon featured among Africa’s towering mountain range but given volcanic effects that occurred many years ago, its height reduced. It stands at altitude 4321 meters above sea level. This remarkable mountain today features the world’s biggest intact mountain caldera. It features as the 4th tallest mountain in East Africa

For adventure enthusiasts on Uganda safari, this is the best spot for you to get thrilled by the most exceptional mountaineering adventures of lifetime. It features among the very few easier mountains to climb even when you are not skilled enough and this means that even an average climber can realize his or her dreams. If you are a hiker, there is no need for you to be worried about hiking adventures given that Mount Elgon doesn’t require one to be experienced. Within this volcano, there are experienced guides and porters to take you through your adventure in and around this incredible mountain.

While you are on safari to Mount Elgon, expect to catch a glimpse at its incredible vegetation cover especially as you climb to the top. Around Mount Elgon’s foothills, you come across thick forests and given that the area experiences heavy amount of rainfall the tree species are in most cases covered by lichen, vine like lianas and epiphytes and the forest floor seemingly looks to be carpeted with ferns and flowering plants like wild orchids. About 2000 meters, bamboo forest thrives and as you climb you will find vast woodland and giant heathers come with incredible grass and flowers. Afro montane zone also comes with its unique lobelias and groundsel. Mount Elgon offers the most exhilarating mountaineering adventures.

As you get down Mount Elgon base, you will come across the most powerful and spectacular Sipi falls which feature among the few most remarkable tourist attractions that Eastern Uganda offers to the world travelers.

Spending your vacation around Mount Elgon National Park rewards you with not only climbing adventures but also exceptional wildlife encounters, birdlife, nature walks, cave exploration and cultural experiences of Bamasaba people who call this area their home. Alternatively, you can also engage in mountain biking. Travelers can pay a visit to forest exploration center and several trails that are found around the baseline of Mount Elgon. The forest center lies next to Sipi town and first acted as educational center and later it turned to be a trail head for travelers who come for mountaineering in the park.

The site is the best for one to kick start cave exploration and it comes with incredible waterfalls, valleys and escarpments. For bird lovers, this is the best area for you to spot out unique birds like Hartlaub’s Turaco; Eastern Bronze napped pigeon, Lemon Dove, African hill babbler, black throated wattle eye, thick billed honey guide, mountain yellow warbler, Grey cuckoo shrike, Alpine chat, Dusky Turtle Dove and many more.

You will find several trails for visitors who love nature walks. You can embark on a half day nature walk with a tour guide from Uganda Wildlife Authority and spot out most of the park’s incredible floral and faunal species as well as explore more about the Sipi falls. The waterfalls come with its unique sceneries and amazing roar. A visit to Sipi falls will amaze you with its outstanding aerial views. For unforgettable adventures in Mount Elgon and Sipi falls, you will need to come along with good hiking books but should be light weight and waterproof, jeans, long sleeved shirts/t-shirt, light rain jacket, bottle water, wide brimmed hat, back pack, packed lunch and many more.

Other things to do in Mount Elgon and Sipi fall Area include rock climbing which takes you through the park and the Sipi falls. This adventure is safe and it is mainly guided and supervised and it can equally be enjoyed by visitors on safari to Murchison Falls National Park, Sipi Falls, Kidepo Valley National Park and many more.

Trout fishing

Mount Elgon and Sipi falls feature as the only area in the pearl of Africa where visitors can catch Mountain Trout. This is conducted in the Sipi falls on River Sipi. This adventure is a catch and release experience.

Cultural experiences

You can also explore Abayudaya Jews of Uganda while on safari to Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls. This community has thrived in the area for over 100 years. There is also Budadiri community walk and Imbalu circumcision.

In conclusion, Mount Elgon and the Sipi falls feature among the very few amazing tourist sites that are worth visiting while on safari to Eastern side of Uganda. Besides hiking adventures, this features numerous tourist activities that are worth adding in bucket list.